Enhanced Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Research Articles

Therapeutic targeting of TGF-β in lung cancer.

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a complex role in lung cancer pathophysiology, initially acting as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting early-stage tumor growth. However, its role evolves in the advanced stages of the disease, where it contributes to tumor progression not by directly promoting cell proliferation but by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and creating a conducive tumor microenvironment. While EMT is typically associated with enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities rather than proliferation per se, TGF-β's influence on this process facilitates the complex dynamics of tumor metastasis. Additionally, TGF-β impacts the tumor microenvironment by interacting with immune cells, a process influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes within tumor cells. This interaction highlights its role in immune evasion and chemoresistance, further complicating lung cancer therapy. This review provides a critical overview of recent findings on TGF-β's involvement in lung cancer, its contribution to chemoresistance, and its modulation of the immune response. Despite the considerable challenges encountered in clinical trials and the development of new treatments targeting the TGF-β pathway, this review highlights the necessity for continued, in-depth investigation into the roles of TGF-β. A deeper comprehension of these roles may lead to novel, targeted therapies for lung cancer. Despite the intricate behavior of TGF-β signaling in tumors and previous challenges, further research could yield innovative treatment strategies.

LINC01133 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma epithelial–mesenchymal transition mediated by SPP1 through binding to Arp3

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment methods. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found involved in tumorigenic and progression. The present study revealed that LINC01133, a fewly reported lncRNA, was one of 16 hub genes that could predict PDAC patients’ prognosis. LINC01133 was over-expressed in PDAC tumors compared to adjacent pancreas and could promote PDAC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, as well as inhibit PDAC apoptosis. LINC01133 expression positively correlated to secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression, leading to an enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. LINC01133 bound with actin-related protein 3 (Arp3), the complex reduced SPP1 mRNA degradation which increased SPP1 mRNA level, ultimately leading to PDAC proliferation. This research revealed a novel mechanism of PDAC development and provided a potential prognosis indicator that may benefit PDAC patients.

LINC01133 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma epithelial–mesenchymal transition mediated by SPP1 through binding to Arp3

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment methods. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found involved in tumorigenic and progression. The present study revealed that LINC01133, a fewly reported lncRNA, was one of 16 hub genes that could predict PDAC patients’ prognosis. LINC01133 was over-expressed in PDAC tumors compared to adjacent pancreas and could promote PDAC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, as well as inhibit PDAC apoptosis. LINC01133 expression positively correlated to secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression, leading to an enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. LINC01133 bound with actin-related protein 3 (Arp3), the complex reduced SPP1 mRNA degradation which increased SPP1 mRNA level, ultimately leading to PDAC proliferation. This research revealed a novel mechanism of PDAC development and provided a potential prognosis indicator that may benefit PDAC patients.

Abstract 212: Repression of NKX2-1 promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor neutrophil recruitment in lung cancer progression

Abstract Background: Malignant transformation is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor patient outcome. This cellular alteration is due to either activation of oncogenes or the silencing of tumor suppressor genes. NKX2-1 was identified as a lineage-specific gene downregulated in poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the molecular mechanism and functional role of infiltrated immune cells in NKX2-1-negative tumors are not clearly understood. Methods: Clinical relevance of NKX2-1 expression and disease status were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of LUAD tissue arrays and the overall survival analysis of TCGA databases. In vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to confirm the role and mechanisms of NKX2-1 actions in transformed cells. The secretion of chemokines was evaluated by using chemokine array. Flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of mouse tumor tissue were used to demonstrate the infiltration of neutrophils in mouse models. Results: Low expression of NKX2-1 was observed in high-grade LUAD tumors. LUAD patients who express a pattern of NKX2-1high/TGF-βlow had better survival outcomes than those with NKX2-1low/TGF-βhigh. Mechanistically, TGF-β induced the downregulation of NKX2-1 which led to enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell motility, and CXC chemokine expression. The high release of these chemoattractants promoted the recruitment of neutrophils. Meanwhile, NKX2-1-dependent suppression of CXC chemokines gene expression may be via repressive histone methylation at the promoter region of CXC chemokines in lung cancer cells. In the in vivo syngeneic LUAD models, exacerbated neutrophil infiltration was noted. Single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry both revealed that neutrophils were recruited via CXCLs/CXCR2 activation in LUAD tumors with NKX2-1 knockdown. Conclusion: Our data showed that NKX2-1 represses tumor growth, metastasis, and neutrophil recruitment via the CXCLs/CXCR2-dependent mechanisms. Notably, targeting CXCR2 in NKX2-1-negative tumors may improve LUAD patient outcomes. Citation Format: Shih-Hwa Chiou, Ping-Hsing Tsai, Mong-Lien Wang. Repression of NKX2-1 promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor neutrophil recruitment in lung cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 212.

Establishment and characterization of cisplatin-resistant cell lines from canine mammary gland tumors

The development of cisplatin resistance is one of the major causes of mammary cancer treatment failure, and is associated with changes in Sox4 gene expression. To investigate the characteristic changes that occur in canine mammary gland tumor (CMGT) cells following the development of acquired cisplatin resistance, along with the relationship between these changes and the Sox4 gene. We constructed cisplatin-resistant cell line, CHMpCIS, from the cell line CHMp, which was isolated from the primary lesion of a malignant CMGT. The biological characteristics of these cells were examined by Western blot analysis, Transwell assays, and mammosphere formation assays. Compared to CHMp cells, CHMpCIS cells exhibited elevated cisplatin resistance, apoptotic escape ability, enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) features, in addition to over-activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and increased Sox4 protein. In CMGT cases, CMGT tissues (CMGTT) expressed higher levels of Sox4 protein and mRNA compared to adjacent tissues (CAMGTT). We found that these changes were inhibited by silencing of Sox4 expression in CHMpCIS cells. Furthermore, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway increased Sox4 expression levels through a positive feedback loop. These results suggested that CHMpCIS cells circumvented the damage caused by cisplatin through altering the expression of the Sox4 gene and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby changing the cellular biological characteristics.

Inhibition of anlotinib-induced autophagy attenuates invasion and migration by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cytoskeletal rearrangement through ATG5 in human osteosarcoma cells.

The cure rates for osteosarcoma have remained unchanged in the past three decades, especially for patients with pulmonary metastasis. Thus, a new and effective treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma is urgently needed. Anlotinib has been reported to have antitumor effects on advanced osteosarcoma. However, both the effect of anlotinib on autophagy in osteosarcoma and the mechanism of anlotinib-mediated autophagy in pulmonary metastasis are unclear. The effect of anlotinib treatment on the metastasis of osteosarcoma was investigated by transwell assays, wound healing assays, and animal experiments. Related proteins were detected by western blotting after anlotinib treatment, ATG5 silencing, or ATG5 overexpression. Immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect alterations in autophagy and the cytoskeleton. Anlotinib inhibited the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells but promoted autophagy and increased ATG5 expression. Furthermore, the decreases in invasion and migration induced by anlotinib treatment were enhanced by ATG5 silencing. In addition, Y-27632 inhibited cytoskeletal rearrangement, which was rescued by ATG5 overexpression. ATG5 overexpression enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, anlotinib-induced autophagy promoted migration and invasion by activating EMT and cytoskeletal rearrangement through ATG5 both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that anlotinib can induce protective autophagy in osteosarcoma cells and that inhibition of anlotinib-induced autophagy enhanced the inhibitory effects of anlotinib on osteosarcoma metastasis. Thus, the therapeutic effect of anlotinib treatment can be improved by combination treatment with autophagy inhibitors, which provides a new direction for the treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma.

Targeting PEG10 as a novel therapeutic approach to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer

BackgroundBreast cancer is the global leading cancer burden in women and the hormone receptor-positive (HR+) subtype is a major part of breast cancer. Though cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are highly effective therapy for HR+ subtype, acquired resistance is inevitable in most cases. Herein, we investigated the paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10)-associated mechanism of acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.MethodsPalbociclib-resistant cells were generated by exposing human HR+ breast cancer cell lines to palbociclib for 7–9 months. In vitro mechanistic study and in vivo xenograft assay were performed. For clinical relevance, public mRNA microarray data sets of early breast cancer were analyzed and PEG10 immunohistochemical staining was performed using pre-CDK4/6 inhibitor tumor samples.ResultsWe observed that PEG10 was significantly upregulated in palbociclib-resistant cells. Ectopic overexpression of PEG10 in parental cells caused CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance and enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). On the contrary, PEG10-targeting siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) combined with palbociclib synergistically inhibited proliferation of palbociclib-resistant cells and growth of palbociclib-resistant xenograft in mice and suppressed EMT as well. The mechanistic study confirmed that high PEG10 expression suppressed p21, a natural CDK inhibitor, and SIAH1, a post-translational degrader of ZEB1, augmenting CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. Then PEG10 siRNA combined with palbociclib suppressed cell cycle progression and EMT via activating p21 and SIAH1, respectively. Consequently, combined PEG10 inhibition and palbociclib overcame CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. Furthermore, high PEG10 expression was significantly associated with a shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on public mRNA expression data. In pre-CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment tissues, PEG10 positivity by IHC also showed a trend toward a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) with CDK4/6 inhibitor. These results support clinical relevance of PEG10 as a therapeutic target.ConclusionsWe demonstrated a novel PEG10-associated mechanism of CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. We propose PEG10 as a promising therapeutic target for overcoming PEG10-associated resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

RNF2 inhibits E-Cadherin transcription to promote hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via inducing histone mono-ubiquitination

RNF2 is a RING domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediate histone H2A mono-ubiquitination to repress gene transcription, but its expression patterns and molecular function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Herein, we extracted data from TGCA database and validated RNF2 expression in our own cohort, which revealed that RNF2 was highly expressed in HCC and was associated with malignant characteristics and poor prognosis of HCC. Moreover, RNF2 was demonstrated to promote HCC metastasis via enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RNF2 repressed E-Cadherin transcription by increasing the deposition of H2K119ub at the E-Cadherin promoter region. In addition, RNF2-regulated crosstalk between H2AK119ub, H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 synergistically reduced E-Cadherin transcription, which promoted EMT and HCC metastasis. These results indicate that RNF2 played an oncogenic role in HCC progression via inducing EMT, and RNF2 could be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Berberine attenuates epithelial mesenchymal transition in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via activating A2aR and mitigating the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling

AimsBerberine is endowed with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This study explored the role of adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR) activation and SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling suppression in the protective effects of berberine in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Main methodsPulmonary fibrosis was generated in mice by injecting bleomycin (40 U/kg, i.p.) on days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14. Mice were treated with berberine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) from day 15 to day 28. Key findingsSevere lung fibrosis and increased collagen content were observed in the bleomycin-challenged mice. Pulmonary A2aR downregulation was documented in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis animals and was accompanied by enhanced expression of SDF-1/CXCR4. Moreover, TGF-β1elevation and pSmad2/3 overexpression were reported in parallel with enhanced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers expression, vimentin and α-SMA. Besides, bleomycin significantly elevated the inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic mediator NF-κB p65, TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, bleomycin administration induced oxidative stress as depicted by decreased Nrf2, SOD, GSH and catalase levels. Interestingly, berberine administration markedly ameliorated the fibrotic changes in lungs by modulating the purinergic system through the inhibition of A2aR downregulation, mitigating EMT and effectively suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. Strikingly, A2aR blockade by SCH 58261, impeded the pulmonary protective effect of berberine. SignificanceThese findings indicated that berberine could attenuate the pathological processes of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis at least partially via upregulating A2aR and mitigating the SDF-1/CXCR4 related pathway, suggesting A2aR as a potential therapeutic target for the management of pulmonary fibrosis.

Proteoglycan-4 predicts good prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and inhibits cancer cell migration in vitro.

To search for adaptive response molecules that affect the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), analyze their clinical correlation with and prognostic value for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and explore their impact on cell biological behavior and their mechanisms of action. HCC tissue gene sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes. The expression of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) in the serum of 117 patients with HCC who received TACE was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum-free medium mimicked TACE-induced nutrient deprivation. Cells with stable knockdown of PRG4 (shPRG4) were constructed to verify the effect and mechanism of PRG4 on the biological behavior of HCC cells in vitro. The expression of PRG4 was significantly elevated under TACE-induced starvation conditions. Low PRG4 expression was associated with worse response to TACE treatment, shorter survival time, and stronger HCC migration ability. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that knockdown of PRG4 promoted HCC cell migration by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while did not affect proliferation. When PRG4 expression was low, starvation treatment impaired the migratory ability of HCC cells and reduced the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to epirubicin. PRG4 expression predicts survival and TACE treatment response in patients with HCC. Furthermore, knockdown of PRG4 enhanced EMT, leading to HCC cell migration. PRG4 may serve as a biomarker for HCC patients receiving TACE.

ESE1/AGR2 axis antagonizes TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in low-grade pancreatic cancer.

Epithelium-specific ETS transcription factor 1 (ESE1) has been implicated in epithelial homeostasis, inflammation, as well as tumorigenesis, and cancer progression. However, numerous studies have reported contradictory roles-as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor of ESE1 in different cancers, and its function in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has remained largely unexplored. Herein, we report that ESE1 was found upregulated in primary PDAC compared to normal pancreatic tissue, but high expression of ESE1 correlated to better relapse-free survival in patients with PDAC. Interestingly, ESE1 was found to exhibit dual roles in regulation of malignant properties of PDAC cells in that its overexpression promoted cell proliferation, whereas its downregulation enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. In the context of TGF-β-induced EMT, ESE1 is markedly downregulated at post-transcriptional level, and reconstituted ESE1 expression partially reversed TGF-β-induced EMT marker expression. Furthermore, we identify AGR2 as a novel transcriptional target of ESE1 that participates in TGF-β-induced EMT in PDAC. Collectively, our findings reveal an ESE1/AGR2 axis that interacts with TGF-β signaling to modulate EMT phenotype in PDAC.

Agmatinase facilitates the tumorigenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma through the TGFβ/Smad pathway.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is one of the most lethal malignancies. Due to the lack of typical symptoms and difficulties in early diagnosis, PAAD has a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is essential to identify novel specific biomarkers for the application of targeted therapies. A previous study suggested that agmatinase (AGMAT) may fulfill important roles in tumor progression; however, these roles and the underlying mechanisms of AGMAT involvement in PAAD have yet to be thoroughly investigated. To address this shortcoming, in the present study the expression and prognostic significance of AGMAT were analyzed via several bioinformatics databases. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were subsequently performed to observe the impact of AGMAT on the proliferation and metastasis of PAAD cells via Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, and cell migration and invasion assays in vitro. In order to probe the mechanisms involved, western blot assays were performed. AGMAT was found to be overexpressed in PAAD, and it was positively associated with a poor prognosis. Stable overexpression of AGMAT was found to lead to a marked increase in cell proliferation and metastasis through activation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/Smad pathway, and via enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that AGMAT may be an oncogene, and a pivotal mechanism has been uncovered in which AGMAT facilitates the progression of PAAD tumorigenesis through the TGFβ/Smad pathway.

CCL20 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition

C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) participates in multiple oncogenic processes, but its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is unclear. Herein, we explored the mechanism by which CCL20 works in LUAD progression. We performed bioinformatical analyses based on the complete transcriptome sequencing data from 1544 LUAD cases in 4 independent cohorts to evaluate signaling pathways regulated by CCL20. We established A549 and H358 cell lines with CCL20 knockdown to explore how CCL20 promotes tumor progression in vitro and in vivo experiments. Using another independent cohort of 348 urothelial carcinoma patients treated with the anti-PD-L1 agent (atezolizumab), we explored the synergistic effect of CCL20 and TGF-β on immunotherapy efficacy. High CCL20 expression is a poor prognostic marker for LUAD patients, and is associated with enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammatory response, and activated TNF pathway in LUAD. CCL20 knockdown restrained the EMT process and cell proliferation of LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo. Low CCL20 expression blocked the detrimental effects of high TGF-β on survival and effectively improved patients' response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Collectively, we revealed the underlying mechanisms by which CCL20 promotes LUAD progression based on the largest sample size. The synergistic inhibitory effect of CCL20 and TGF-β on immune-checkpoint blockade therapy efficacy provides new views of immunotherapy resistance.

Characterizing Intercellular Communication of Pan-Cancer Reveals SPP1+ Tumor-Associated Macrophage Expanded in Hypoxia and Promoting Cancer Malignancy Through Single-Cell RNA-Seq Data.

Hypoxia is a characteristic of tumor microenvironment (TME) and is a major contributor to tumor progression. Yet, subtype identification of tumor-associated non-malignant cells at single-cell resolution and how they influence cancer progression under hypoxia TME remain largely unexplored. Here, we used RNA-seq data of 424,194 single cells from 108 patients to identify the subtypes of cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells; to evaluate their hypoxia score; and also to uncover potential interaction signals between these cells in vivo across six cancer types. We identified SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subpopulation potentially enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by interaction with cancer cells through paracrine pattern. We prioritized SPP1 as a TAM-secreted factor to act on cancer cells and found a significant enhanced migration phenotype and invasion ability in A549 lung cancer cells induced by recombinant protein SPP1. Besides, prognostic analysis indicated that a higher expression of SPP1 was found to be related to worse clinical outcome in six cancer types. SPP1 expression was higher in hypoxia-high macrophages based on single-cell data, which was further validated by an in vitro experiment that SPP1 was upregulated in macrophages under hypoxia-cultured compared with normoxic conditions. Additionally, a differential analysis demonstrated that hypoxia potentially influences extracellular matrix remodeling, glycolysis, and interleukin-10 signal activation in various cancer types. Our work illuminates the clearer underlying mechanism in the intricate interaction between different cell subtypes within hypoxia TME and proposes the guidelines for the development of therapeutic targets specifically for patients with high proportion of SPP1+ TAMs in hypoxic lesions.

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Brain Metastases in HER2-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancers.

Simple SummaryBreast cancer, the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide, remains an incurable disease once it has spread to the brain. Past research has shown that a primary breast cancer’s biology is an important determining factor predisposing its ability to form brain metastases. This review summarizes our current understanding of which genes, mutations, and molecules cause this increased ability to spread to and survive in the brain, specifically focusing on the different stages of this process. This knowledge may help us develop more effective, tumor-specific therapies and, as such, increase the chance of recovery for patients with breast cancer brain metastases.Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cause of cancer-associated death for women worldwide, with deaths commonly resulting from metastatic spread to distant organs. Approximately 30% of metastatic BC patients develop brain metastases (BM), a currently incurable diagnosis. The influence of BC molecular subtype and gene expression on breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) development and patient prognosis is undeniable and is, therefore, an important focus point in the attempt to combat the disease. The HER2-positive and triple-negative molecular subtypes are associated with an increased risk of developing BCBM. Several genetic and molecular mechanisms linked to HER2-positive and triple-negative BC breast cancers appear to influence BCBM formation on several levels, including increased development of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and migration of primary BC cells to the brain and/or through superior local invasiveness aided by cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). These specific BC characteristics, together with the ensuing developments at a clinical level, are presented in this review article, drawing a connection between research findings and related therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing BCBM formation and/or progression. Furthermore, we briefly address the critical limitations in our current understanding of this complex topic, highlighting potential focal points for future research.

Involvement of the ERK/HIF-1α/EMT Pathway in XCL1-Induced Migration of MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 Breast Cancer Cells

Chemokine–receptor interactions play multiple roles in cancer progression. It was reported that the overexpression of X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1), a specific receptor for chemokine X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (XCL1), stimulates the migration of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms of this process remain to be elucidated. Our study found that XCL1 treatment markedly enhanced MDA-MB-231 cell migration. Additionally, XCL1 treatment enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MDA-MB-231 cells via E-cadherin downregulation and upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin as well as increases in β-catenin nucleus translocation. Furthermore, XCL1 enhanced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Notably, the effects of XCL1 on cell migration and intracellular signaling were negated by knockdown of XCR1 using siRNA, confirming XCR1-mediated actions. Treating MDA-MB-231 cells with U0126, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, blocked XCL1-induced HIF-1α accumulation and cell migration. The effect of XCL1 on cell migration was also evaluated in ER-/HER2+ SK-BR-3 cells. XCL1 also promoted cell migration, EMT induction, HIF-1α accumulation, and ERK phosphorylation in SK-BR-3 cells. While XCL1 did not exhibit any significant impact on the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 expressions in MDA-MB-231 cells, it increased the expression of these enzymes in SK-BR-3 cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that activation of the ERK/HIF-1α/EMT pathway is involved in the XCL1-induced migration of both MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Based on our findings, the XCL1–XCR1 interaction and its associated signaling molecules may serve as specific targets for the prevention of breast cancer cell migration and metastasis.

HSPA1L Enhances Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties by Activating IGF1Rβ and Regulating β-Catenin Transcription.

Studies have shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in resistance and metastasis of cancer; thus, therapies targeting CSCs have been proposed. Here, we report that heat shock 70-kDa protein 1-like (HSPA1L) is partly involved in enhancing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CSC-like properties in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is considered a CSC marker in some lung cancers. Here, we analyzed transcriptional changes in genes between ALDH1high and ALDH1low cells sorted from A549 NSCLC cells and found that HSPA1L was highly expressed in ALDH1high cells. HSPA1L played two important roles in enhancing CSC-like properties. First, HSPA1L interacts directly with IGF1Rβ and integrin αV to form a triple complex that is involved in IGF1Rβ activation. HSPA1L/integrin αV complex-associated IGF1Rβ activation intensified the EMT-associated cancer stemness and γ-radiation resistance through its downstream AKT/NF-κB or AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin activation pathway. Secondly, HSPA1L was also present in the nucleus and could bind directly to the promoter region of β-catenin to function as a transcription activator of β-catenin, an important signaling protein characterizing CSCs by regulating ALDH1 expression. HSPA1L may be a novel potential target for cancer treatment because it both enhances IGF1Rβ activation and regulates γβ-catenin transcription, accumulating CSC-like properties.

Prometastatic secretome trafficking via exosomes initiates pancreatic cancer pulmonary metastasis.

To demonstrate multifaceted contribution of aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathogenesis, in vitro metastasis assay and patient derived xenograft (PDX) murine models were established. ASPH propagates aggressive phenotypes characterized by enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 2-D/3-D invasion, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation/remodeling, angiogenesis, stemness, transendothelial migration and metastatic colonization/outgrowth at distant sites. Mechanistically, ASPH activates Notch cascade through direct physical interactions with Notch1/JAGs and ADAMs. The ASPH-Notch axis enables prometastatic secretome trafficking via exosomes, subsequently initiates MMPs mediated ECM degradation/remodeling as an effector for invasiveness. Consequently, ASPH fosters primary tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in PDX models, which was blocked by a newly developed small molecule inhibitor (SMI) specifically against ASPH's β-hydroxylase activity. Clinically, ASPH is silenced in normal pancreas, progressively upregulated from pre-malignant lesions to invasive/advanced stage PDAC. Relatively high levels of ASPH-Notch network components independently/jointly predict curtailed overall survival (OS) in PDAC patients (log-rank test, Ps<0.001; Cox proportional hazards regression, P<0.001). Therefore, ASPH-Notch axis is essential for propagating multiple-steps of metastasis and predicts prognosis of PDAC patients. A specific SMI targeting ASPH offers a novel therapeutic approach to substantially retard PDAC development/progression.

Exosome-encapsulated miRNAs contribute to CXCL12/CXCR4-induced liver metastasis of colorectal cancer by enhancing M2 polarization of macrophages.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important immunocytes associated with cancer metastasis. However, whether TAMs play a dominant role in mediating CXCL12/CXCR4-induced liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unexplored. Herein, we found that CD206+ TAMs, which infiltrated at the invasive front, were correlated with CXCR4 expression and liver metastasis of CRC in clinical specimens. Several miRNAs (miR-25-3p, miR-130b-3p, miR-425-5p), upregulated in CRC cells by activation of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, could be transferred to macrophages via exosomes. These exosomal miRNAs induced M2 polarization of macrophages by regulating PTEN through activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In turn, M2 polarized macrophages promoted cancer metastasis by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and secreting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Co-culture of CRC cells with macrophages transfected with these miRNAs or treated with exosomes enhanced their metastatic capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, the serum levels of exosomal miR-25-3p, miR-130b-3p and miR-425-5p were correlated with progression and metastasis of CRC. In conclusion, these results reveal a crucial role of exosomal miRNAs in mediating the crosstalk between CXCR4 overexpressing cancer cells and TAMs, providing potential therapeutic targets for circumventing liver metastasis of CRC.

Far upstream element-binding protein 1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis.

Previous research suggests that far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) plays an important role in various tumors including epatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of FUBP1 in liver cancer remains controversial, and the regulatory pathway by FUBP1 awaits to be determined. This study aims to identify the role of FUBP1 in HCC progression. Our result shows that the high level of FUBP1 expression in HCC predicts poor prognosis after surgery. Overexpression of FUBP1 promotes HCC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by activating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathway and enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Inhibitor of Thrombospondin-1 (LSKL) could inhibit HCC proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo by blocking the activation of TGF-β/Smad pathway mediated by thrombospondin-1 (THBS1). Our study identified the critical role of FUBP1-THBS1-TGF-β signaling axis in HCC and provides potentially new therapeutic modalities in HCC.